A Ukrainian coal mine in the frontline city of Pokrovsk suspended production as Russian troops close in on the key logistics center, Reutersreported Monday, citing 2 market sources.They have all quit working now, one of the unnamed sources was priced estimate as saying, describing mine shafts in Pokrovsk.Theres no production there, theyre just dealing with the surface, the 2nd source stated, adding that an evacuation of the mining center was underway.Russias Defense Ministrysaid earlier on Monday that its troops took the town of Pishchane, around 8 kilometers (5 miles) southwest of Pokrovsk.Ukraines largest steel producer Metinvestannounced last month that it suspended operations at its production website in Pishchane, which supplied around half of Metinvests total Ukrainian coal extraction.
Metinvest likewise owns the mining facility in Pokrovsk.Pishchane was strategically important as it provided Ukraines metallurgical sector with an unique type of coking coal, which is a key part in steelmaking.
Metal exports are Ukraines second-largest foreign currency earner after agriculture.Metinvest has actually not yet discussed the halted production in Pokrovsk.Russian forces have been edging towards Ukraines crucial eastern hub of Pokrovsk considering that the summertime of 2024.
The fall of Pokrovsk to Russia threatens Ukraines defense along the whole frontline in the partially inhabited Donetsk region.AFP contributed reporting.